Saturday Selections: Week 3 SEC Picks Against the Spread

Sep 6, 2014; Baton Rouge, LA, USA; LSU Tigers running back Leonard Fournette (7) is forced out of bounds by Sam Houston State Bearkats cornerback Mikell Everette (6) during the second half of a game at Tiger Stadium. LSU defeated Sam Houston 56-0. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports

UL-Monroe at #10 LSU (-31), 6:00pm CT, ESPNU

LSU will play host to a pesky in-state rival that is 2-0 on the young season. The Warhawks defeated Wake Forest in the season opener in a sloppy affair, but the victory was an important one for the Sun Belt Conference team. Last week, ULM was less impressive against Idaho, but earned a 38-31 victory nonetheless.

LSU is off to a great start to the season after the come from behind victory against Wisconsin in Houston, followed by last week’s 56-0 drubbing of Sam Houston. Though the Bearkats are a member of the FCS, they have historically been a tough opponent and a quality program, so the 56-point margin of victory (and the shutout) was impressive.

The Tigers have received okay play from sophomore quarterback Anthony Jennings, who appears to have a firm grip on the starting job – at least for now. The defense and the running game will continue to take pressure off of the young quarterback, and the Tigers will win this game handily. But, will they cover?

With the conference opener one week from Saturday, LSU could be looking past the Warhawks. It should be a close game early, perhaps only a ten point lead at halftime, but the speed and athleticism of the Tigers will be too much for ULM.

LSU 41, UL-Monroe, 7